Cedars as Bonsai

Cedars are tall coniferous trees that develop characteristic broad and elegant shapes with age. They are very suitable for bonsai purposes.

Cedar Bonsai Care Guidelines

The cedar needs a position in full sun for healthy growth. In wintertime, protect the tree from freezing temperatures and cold wind. Young plants are especially delicate and need extra protection.

Watering

During the growing season water daily, if necessary, but let the soil get dry before watering. Be careful not to overwater the cedar, as it grows in quite dry conditions in its native regions and can suffer from root rot if it is watered too much. Especially in winter it is important that the root ball does not stay too wet because this would increase the risk of frost damage to the roots.

Fertilizing

During the growth season use a liquid fertilizer every two weeks or apply organic fertilizer four to six weeks.

Pruning and wiring

Twigs can be shortened in early spring. Later keep pinching new shoots which appear throughout the growing season. Do not cut the needles. Larger branches can be pruned in autumn. The Cedrus is known for its slowly healing wounds, so consider to create deadwood features like jins or little shari to prevent producing ugly cut wounds. Younger twigs can easily be wired when they are still flexible. Take care not to damage the sensitive bark. Older branches are better shaped with guy wires.

Repotting

Repot younger trees every two years, older specimen every three or four years in spring before the new buds open or in autumn. Do not disturb the root system too much and prune the roots only lightly.

Propagation

Sow seeds in spring time, cold stratification is required. Cuttings have rather low success rates. Air layering takes a little more time.

Pests and diseases

Aphids and the fungi Sirococcus and Pestalotia, which cause shoot blight and defoliation, can attack cedars. Use a specific pesticide and try to improve the growing conditions for your tree. Root rot can occur when cedars are overwatered.

There are a number of species of cedars and all are suitable for bonsai:

• Cedrus Atlantica which is native to North Africa, with blue-grey needles and light grey bark.

• Cedrus Deodar from the Himalayas has longer green needles.

• Cedrus Libani is native to Lebanon and the Mediterranean coast has dark green needles and greyish brown bark.

• Cedrus Brevifolia is endemic to Cyprus, has short bluish green needles and a broad canopy with horizontal branches. It is considered a subspecies of Libani.